1 week ago
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Liverpool's previous Wembley outing did not unfold as anticipated.
The Reds entered as strong contenders to secure consecutive League Cup victories earlier this year, but a disappointing display resulted in a surprising 2-1 loss to Newcastle.
Arne Slot was prevented from claiming his maiden piece of silverware as Liverpool manager in the process, though he would not have to wait much longer with his team securing the Premier League crown just over six weeks later before lifting the trophy at the conclusion of May. Following their championship success, the Reds will return to Wembley on Sunday as the Premier League winners face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.
Having claimed silverware in both of his complete campaigns with the Reds, Cody Gakpo is eager to achieve a treble at the first opportunity on Sunday.
Whilst the Community Shield is frequently dismissed as a glorified friendly, the Netherlands international maintains it remains crucial for the Reds to commence the campaign positively and establish momentum before beginning their title defence.
"It's going to be an important game for us to start the season well and that's what we're here for," he insisted. "We're going to give it our best shot. Hopefully we come back with the Community Shield.
"I think if we can play a good game and a good performance and get the trophy back home, then we have good momentum for the rest of the beginning of the season. To begin well is always very important. It's (Palace) obviously a very good side. I think they proved that last season as well against us but also against other teams.
"They didn't win the FA Cup without quality, so that means they have a lot of quality and a lot of good players. They deserved to win that trophy. It's going to be a tough game with some good players on their side and good players on our side. Hopefully [it ends] with us [getting] the win."
Liverpool will make the journey to Wembley with a considerably revamped squad following a hectic summer. The Reds may not have finished their business either, with Alexander Isak and a new center-back remaining on their wishlist.
In the meantime, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah, Luis Diaz, and Tyler Morton have all left the Reds' championship-winning group, while Diogo Jota was tragically killed in a car crash at the beginning of last month. It has been a difficult summer for Liverpool and their players as they continue to grieve for the Portuguese star.
At least four of his new acquisitions are anticipated to make their debuts at Wembley, with Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong all set to feature from the start against Palace.
Should Alisson Becker be unavailable, Giorgi Mamardashvili will also undoubtedly receive the call-up. Gakpo has been left impressed by the quality of Slot's enhanced squad as he commended the new signings for adapting swiftly. "I think it was a good preseason from the team," he shared with Liverpool's website.
"We worked very hard and enjoyed some good games as well. Everybody is eager to start now this upcoming weekend. I can't wait.
"We have a good group in general. That makes it maybe a little bit easier to adapt for new players to come in. I think a lot of the players knew each other maybe from playing against each other in the national team or things like this.
"For example, Jeremie and Flo came from the same club. That's also easy. Jeremie plays with the Dutch boys in the national team and others [have] those kinds of things too. I think they adapted well and quick - hopefully they feel at home as well."
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